The visual art major is designed to provide students with a broad based understanding of the history of art, basic skills with traditional and digital media, and an opportunity to choose an area of specialization such as traditional media, graphic design and digital media, or art history. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take up to 42 credit hours in art to build their portfolios and prepare for the senior thesis course. Students with an emphasis in art studio will finish their program of study with the thesis course consisting of a written component and a gallery exhibition. Students with an emphasis in art history will prepare a research paper that utilizes primary research.

The visual art minor is designed to provide an introduction to art history and a variety of media and may be augmented to suit particular student interest and career goals. It also allows ample opportunity to pursue interests in other fields or in combination with a major in another academic area.

Students majoring in visual art find career opportunities in a wide variety of professional fields, including teaching in public or private schools; management of cultural programs in city, state, or federal government agencies; museums, galleries and other cultural institutions; advertising, design studios, special effects and broadcasting agencies and in the fine arts. Our undergraduate program in art also prepares students for graduate study in their areas of concentration. Certification in art education (P-12) is also available.

Major

(B.A. degree) Requirements: A total of 36 hours in art include: nine hours in art history, twelve hours in studio foundations, nine hours in an area of specialization, three hours of senior thesis work, and three hours elective. Nine hours in art history are taken in 216, 217, and 414; 12 hours in foundations may be taken from 115, 117, 118, 120, or 234; 9 hours in one area of specialization (traditional media, digital, or art history). Courses in the area of specialization include: Traditional Media (painting sequence of 232, 332, 432; or sculpture sequence of 230, 330, 430); Digital Media: ART 334, 336, 338, 428, 435, or 437; Art History: ART 250, 302, 375, 416, 440, or 470. Students choose 3 hours of elective for breadth or depth and 3 hours of senior thesis (ART 455). 12 hours must be taken at the 300-level or above.

Course Offerings

107. Art Appreciation. (2 hours) An introduction to the study of art styles, media and concepts using examples from various world cultures as well as Western civilization. This class is designed for non-art majors. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

115. Drawing. (3 hours) Basic problems in drawing in various media such as pencil, pen, brush and charcoal and experimental techniques. Both representational and experimental approaches to drawing will be studied. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

117. Design Basics and Color. (3 hours) Basic problems in composition, the elements of design, materials and design concepts. Special emphasis on color theory. This course is also an introduction to painting. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall

118. Introduction to Three Dimensional Design and Ceramics. (3 hours) This studio course addresses the fundamental concepts of sculpture and other three-dimensional works. Working with a variety of materials including paper, wire, and clay, students will have the opportunity to thoroughly examine the formal elements of three-dimensional forms through hands-on personal experience. In this course students will observe the work of others in the studio environment; explore a broad repertoire of media possibilities; and critically analyze produced works. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring

120. Photography. (3 hours) This course explores both traditional darkroom and digital photography practices. Students will be instructed in the operation of the camera, subject and compositional considerations, image refinement, and a variety of printing methods. All students will receive help in expanding their knowledge and vision for the photographic medium as well as prepare them for further development of personal photographic work. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

216. Survey of Art History I. (3 hours) Art 216 is the first half of a year-long introductory survey of art history which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis and a historical survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture and other art forms from prehistoric and ancient cultures to circa 1450 CE. The course is taught from Western perspective with at least 25 % content from beyond the Western tradition. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall

217. Survey of Art History II. (3 hours) Art 217 is the second half of a year-long introductory survey of art history which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis and a historical survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture, and other art forms from 1450 CE to the present day. The course is taught from Western perspective with at least 25% content from beyond the Western tradition. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring

230. Sculpture I. (3 hours) Introduction to the concepts and design of sculpture with emphasis on the student’s technical, personal, and conceptual development through a variety of materials and processes including woodworking, welding, metal casting, and installation. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses section. Prerequisite: ART 118 or permission of instructor. Fall

232. Painting I. (3 hours) ART 115 and 117 are recommended for art majors and minors before enrolling in this course. Beginning painting in which color and composition problems will be assigned. Different styles and techniques will be studied as well as one’s personal creative development. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses section. Prerequisite: ART 115 or 117 or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring

234. Survey of Computer Art Applications. (3 hours) An introductory study in the aesthetics, creative, and technical aspects of graphic design and digital imaging. Although no one area will be mastered in this course, students will gain a basic understanding of Adobe’s Creative Suite with emphasis in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

250. Art History Methods. (3 hours) This course serves as an introduction to the concepts, methods, and issues in art history and art criticism. Students will explore several art historical methods before intensively examining a work or series of works first hand. In consultation with instructor, students may choose to research a work(s) of art in the GC Archives, Permanent Collection, or Jacobs Gallery. Prerequisite: one course in art history or sophomore standing. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring

300. Printmaking. (3 hours) This course introduces students to basic methods of traditional printmaking. Each student will complete individual assignments utilizing multiple printmaking media including monoprint, paper lithography, and silkscreen. Demonstrative instruction will be given in woodcut, etching, engraving, and multiple transfer techniques. Students will learn how to identify various types of papers and will become familiar with a number of fundamental print concepts such as editioning, registration, group problem solving, and collaboration. Students will also receive the fundamental processes found in bookmaking. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: ART 115 or 117. Spring

302. Curatorial Studies. (3 hours) This course is experience based. Students engage in individual and group projects that further their understanding of art historical and curatorial activities in addition to collections care and management. Students learn the basics of art handling, condition reporting, and the professional responsibilities of the curator. Students work closely with faculty, the Director of Art Galleries, and the College Archivist to explore issues relating to the planning, design, and installation of exhibitions. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall

313. Art Education. (2 or 3 hours) The creative process and its educational value, unique to the visual arts, are emphasized in this course. The course includes some of the history of art education, its psychology and philosophy which are basic to understanding art education as well as studio art activities for the classroom. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

330. Sculpture II. (3 hours) This course is a further exploration of materials and techniques, leading to personal conceptual advancement and an investigation of personal aesthetics. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: ART 230 or permission of instructor. Fall

332. Painting II. (3 hours) A continuation of the exploration of composition and painting techniques moving toward a greater independence and personal development for the student. Prerequisite: ART 232 or permission of instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

334. 3-D Modeling and Animation. An in-depth study of 3-D modeling and animation techniques done on the computer. Students will learn story boarding methods for planning models and animation. Emphasis will be on concept development and understanding algorithmic theories for modeling and animation. Prerequisite: ART 234. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As Needed

336. Intermediate Graphic Design. This course emphasizes problem-solving, conceptual development, layout and implementation of text and image integration through extensive use of Adobe Illustrator. Students work with complex design projects and problems that encourage development beyond basic skills and experimentation with creative solutions. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: ART 234. Even Springs

375. Tutorial Topics. (3 hours) The study of a special topic in art history or art theory using one-on-one tutorial method of instruction adapted from humanities courses at Oxford University. Required as preparation for students interested in pursuing study through the Oxford Program at Georgetown College. Please consult art department chair for current offerings. Prerequisite: one course in art and permission of the instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As needed

414. Modern Art History. (3 hours) This course surveys developments in nineteenth and twentieth-century art and architecture, beginning with the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 and concluding around 1970, with the advent of color-field painting and minimalism. Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical and critical issues in addition to the historical, intellectual, and socioeconomic changes that are reflected or addressed in the works of artists and architects. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: ART 216 or 217 or permission of instructor. Fall

416. Contemporary Art History. (3 hours) This course is a continuation of issues and ideas of art history and criticism presented in ART 414 Modern Art History. In ART 416, students survey developments in twentieth and twenty-first-century art and architecture (1970-present). Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical and critical issues in addition to the historical, intellectual, and socioeconomic changes that are reflected or addressed in the works of artists and architects. Prerequisite: one course in art history or permission of the instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring

428. Motion Graphics and Editing. (3 hours) Advanced studio course in creating digital video pieces for use in traditional single-channel, cinematic screenings, installation or performance work, projection artwork, the web, or for incorporation into other digital pieces. Students examine the methods for creating, sampling, and storing digital video and digital audio. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: ART 234 As Needed

430. Advanced Sculpture. (3 hours) Each student will provide a statement of specific goals to the instructor (who will act in an advisory capacity). Using the assignments as points of provocation students are expected to produce a conceptually cohesive body of work by the completion of this course. Independent thinking and technical development are emphasized. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. prerequisite: ART 330 or permission of instructor. Fall

432. Advanced Painting. (3 hours) The student will provide a statement of goals to the instructor who will act in an advisory capacity. Independent thinking and technical development are emphasized. Prerequisite: ART 332 or permission of instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Fall and Spring

435. Web Design. (3 hours) Students will learn interactive techniques and interface design using HTML code, Flash, and Dreamweaver, among other applications. Students create several projects which emphasize thematic development, visual consistency and style throughout the semester. Prerequisite: ART 234. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Even Falls

440. Independent Study. (3 hours) The student may select any studio area or art history or art education topic for research or development. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As needed

455. Senior Thesis. (3 hours) Each senior art major is required to develop and complete a body of work which is a culmination of the investigation and inquiry relevant to his/her study. This course will focus on work leading to the Senior Exhibition. A supporting paper, artist’s statement and professional documentation, and an oral defense are required. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Prerequisite: Student must pass portfolio review before admission into class. Fall and Spring

461. Internship in Visual Arts. Supervised professional experience in an ad agency, business, studio, gallery or institution as a means of preparing the student for a career goal or further studies in the visual arts. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. As Needed

470. Special Topics in Art History. The rotating topics cover one or several themes that explore aesthetics, subjects of art, the producers of art, art theory, and criticism. Topics include: Harlots, Mothers, and Saints: Women and Art; Public Art; Public Sculpture; The End of Impressionism; The History of the Museum; Art Theory and Art Criticism. This course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Art 216 or 217 or permission of the instructor. Special fee applies, please see Financial Planning and Expenses. Spring